The Hurricanes burst the Cheetahs bubble with a win more emphatic than the scoreline suggests.

The Canes won 39-34 but a more accurate reflection of the night was the 39-19 lead with just 10 minutes to go.

The Cheetahs scored two tries in a final flurry but trailed by eight points with a minute to go and had to settle for a last minute penalty kick to get a bonus point from the match.

The Canes, trampled by the Bulls a week ago, dominated the first quarter to lead 9-0 but lost ground as the hosts settled to change ends tied at 12-all.

A two try Hurricanes burst just after 50 minutes saw the match open up and 39 points were scored in the final 20 minutes.

The Cheetahs were disappointing and struggled for most of the match, despite having an abundance of possession.

Coenie Oosthuizen, with a brace, and Willie le Roux, once again impressed, as did Heinrich Brussouw and Robert Ebersohn, but as a unit the side lacked the mongrel that had saw them win seven of their 10 league matches.

The Canes were more physical than at any stage of the season and more clinical and clever in their approach. They played field position, the forwards were prepared to do the grind and the backs made maximum use of all opportunities.

Beauden Barrett kicked seven from nine and scored a try for a 24-point match haul.